A Defender outline measuring 1km across was drawn using a fleet of six Land Rovers each towing a 12-foot harrow. The vehicles chosen chart the evolution of the Defender from its introduction in 1948 to the present day.

So a Land Rover Series I, II and III were joined by a 90 from the 80s, a Defender 90 Hard Top and a Defender 110 Station Wagon. The artwork only remained in place for a matter of minutes before the tide washed it away.

Sand artist Jamie Wardley said: “This is unique in that it’s massive and it’s using these wonderful machines to make it.”

The Series II model once belonged to the Wilks family, and Stephen Wilks, Maurice’s son, said: “We used to come here for our holidays. My father met his brother on the beach and was explaining the concept of a new idea for a go anywhere, do anything vehicle.

“He made a drawing in the sand of how he thought the Land Rover could be made. That was the conception of Land Rover.”